Canyons, streams, prairie and forest combine to delight visitors at Matthiessen State Park. Located in central LaSalle County, approximately four miles south of Utica and three miles east of Oglesby, Matthiessen is a paradise for those interested in geology as well as recreation. Visitors can expect to see beautiful rock formations in addition to unusual and abundant vegetation and wildlife. All of this, along with park and picnic facilities, make Matthiessen State Park a popular choice for a special outing.

Nature of the Area

Geological Features:

The many unusual and beautiful rock formations make a trip to Matthiessen State Park an educational as well as a fun experience. Exposed sandstone can be seen throughout. The main canyon, consisting of the Upper and Lower Dells, provides an unusual and interesting walking tour. The Upper Dell begins at Deer Park Lake and continues to Cascade Falls, where the canyon drops 45 feet and the Lower Dell begins. The canyon, formed by water erosion, is approximately one mile long, from Deer Park Lake to the Vermilion River. Visitors may observe ground water seeping out along the sandstone of the canyon walls. As the ground water evaporates along the canyon walls, the minerals that are carried in solution in the water contribute to the beautiful coloring of the rocks.

The park has several mineral springs, and each was a popular spot for the large deer population that used it as a salt lick.

Flora and Fauna:

Visitors will delight at the abundance of plant and animal life. The park is alive with common and uncommon species of flora and fauna. The canyon provides a perfect habitat for many mosses and liverworts which thrive on the damp shady walls. Ferns also grow in the rich soil. Other vegetation in the canyon interior is limited to the simpler or lower orders of plant life, because most plants cannot take root on the steep rock walls. Cliff swallows and rock doves may be seen perching on the canyon walls, while frogs, toads and salamanders seek out the cool, moist canyon floors.

Along the dry, sandy bluff tops near the canyon edge, black oak, red cedar and white oak grow in abundance. White pines and white cedar are also found here, carried south by the glaciers of long ago. Shrubs common to this area include serviceberry and northern honeysuckle. Scarlet tanagers and cedar waxwings can be seen feeding on the berries of these shrubs. Holes made by yellow-bellied sapsuckers can be found on the cedar trees, as these birds feed on the sap and small insects located there. In the spring, beautiful magenta-colored blossoms erupt on the shooting star plants and the bright orange of the columbine delights the eye. By summertime, a rainbow of color emerges with the yellow partridge pea, the violet spiked lead plants and purple square-stemmed mint plants.

Farther back from the bluffs, bur oak and hickory grow. At the foot of these trees grow American witch hazel, black huckleberry and bracken fern. Nuthatches and chickadees can be seen feeding on the nuts, seeds and insects here.

Jack-in-the-pulpits, pastel-colored hepatica and delicate pink spring beauties blossom in the shaded forest soil during the spring. In the area where the sun breaks through the trees, black-eyed Susans and pink, spiked tick-trefoils bloom through the summer. Raccoons and flying squirrels spend hours among the trees searching for and gathering berries and nuts.

Along the forest edges, bright blue indigo buntings fly among the wild crabapple and plum trees. Cottontail rabbits scamper through the bluestem and Indian grasses. Red-tailed hawks soar overhead searching for field mice. Three-leaved poison ivy plants are found in all areas of the park, growing both as a vine and as an individual woody plant. Its greenish-white berries are a prime source of food for the many birds residing here.

History of the Area

Matthiessen State Park was named for Frederick William Matthiessen, a prominent industrialist and philanthropist from LaSalle. He originally purchased the land near the end of the 19th Century and developed it as a privately owned park for many years. Mr. Matthiessen employed about 50 people to construct trails, bridges, stairways and check dams. The area was originally referred to as "Deer Park," in reference to the large deer population. The original 176-acre park consisted primarily of a long narrow canyon with a small stream flowing through it. At that time these formations were called "dells," a name that has stayed with the park. After Matthiessen's death, the park was donated to the State of Illinois, which opened it as a public park. In 1943, the state renamed the park in honor of Matthiessen. Since then, the park has grown to 1,938 acres and includes much of the significant natural areas along the main dell, some former prairie land, and some forest land south of the original park.

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The Dells Area of the park provides a perfect setting for picnics and an afternoon of relaxation. This area has picnic tables, water fountains and playground equipment, as well as a large parking lot and toilet facilities. An added attraction is the restored fort representative of the fortifications the French built in the Midwest during the 1600s and early 1700s. The main trail to the Cascade Falls area originates in this area.

The park has five miles of well-marked, well-surfaced hiking trails for a relaxing walk or a vigorous hike. Large trail maps are located at all major trail intersections so visitors can choose a variety of routes. The upper area and bluff tops are easy hiking paths for the novice, but the trails into the interiors of the two dells may be difficult to negotiate, particularly during spring and early summer. Hikers must stay on marked trails, as steep cliffs and deep canyons can be dangerous. Hikers will marvel at the plant and animal life along the trails, and have an unparalleled view of geological wonders as they travel through the park. Alcohol is prohibited on all trails.

On the north side of the Dells Area entrance is a parking lot with a hitching post, which marks the access to nine miles of horseback riding trails. Horse rental is located on Route 71 a half mile west of Route 178. It is open weekends in April and November and Wednesday through Sunday from May through October. There are also six miles of cross-country ski trails with ski rental available weekends from December through March.

PLEASE NOTE! It is a state offense to remove any archaeological or Native American material from any Illinois state park.

Area Attractions

A field archery range with a sight-in area and four separate targets is located in the northwestern portion of Matthiessen State Park near Deer Park Country Club just off Illinois Route 71.

A radio-controlled model airplane field is located at the Vermilion River Area. Hobbyists and visitors will enjoy flying or watching as these crafts are maneuvered around this open field area.

Horseback Riding/Camping:

An equestrian campground for horseback riders and their horses is located west of Route 178 between Route 71 and the Dells Area entrance. The horseback riders campground and horseback trails are open as weather permits. Call the park office to check conditions and status before coming to use these facilities.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews

January 16A Peaceful Getaway

This park is lke paradise on earth. I could stay for weeks at a time and never get tired of exploring it.

December 20A geologic laboratory!

This park is on the largest anticline in the state! A great place for geologists, fisherman, and peace of mind.

November 11A Place to remember by Melissa

My fiance proposed to me in a cave next to the waterfall. Even though the water fall was not active it was still beautiful and PERFECT. This park is very clean and the hiking is fun, some challenging parts but exciting and beautiful. Great to take the kids there too!

October 20 by LINJOE

Clean. If each visitor would bring a single piece of trash out of the park, most would come out empty handed.

September 7What a great place for horse back riding by Bronc Rider

This park is a hidden wonder, the primitave camping is great and the trails for horseback riding is fantastic. What a view from horseback.....

July 12Excellent Mountain Bikes Trails added! by Captain Powerbar

They have added about 8 miles of mountain bike trails, 5 of it sweet single track, to their current system of hike and horse trails. Biking is in the south section only. Careful as some trails are for hikers or horses only.

May 25Horse Trails Closed for Bicyclists

We have ridden these beautiful horse trails for twenty five years. They are being closed to horses and given to a bike group. Multi-use trails are supposed to be used by all - hikers, bikers, and horsemen. Never had any trouble before the bicyclists moved in and took over these trails. Need your help to get the horse trails back - PLEASE!

May 14Beautiful! My fave place in the world

I go there all the time, its wonderful! I got engaged by the waterfall and married on top of the bridge over top the same waterfall. Its absolutely gorgeous, if you havent been there you need to go!

March 31A true adventure by Mamawolf

While they try to prevent erosion with some decking it is still a charm with rocks to cross over the stream. It still feels like a real hike. Fun for all.

February 5Adventures await you by lonesomedove6

this park is amazing,each season it has something new to offer,my family n I go every season and enjoy the beauty.the waters are not for swimming,but the creeks make good wadding to cool off on a hot summer day ,the water falls are amazing each season

January 19The most beautiful park in Illinois

I have made many trips to Matthiessen over the years and each time I find something new. The waterfalls are amazing.

May 24More scenic than Starved Rock

We came for Starved Rock and decided to stop by. Boy, we are glad we did. We spent the better part of two days exploring and admiring the park. The water falls were beautiful and accessible. The trails were scenic and peaceful. Some trails were quite muddy, so bring proper foot attire as well as bug repellant.

May 22Splendid by NR2112

This is a great park to go to and enjoy a day, sunny or not. The trails are kept nicely, and there are plenty of opportunities to explore off the beaten path. Bring your suit, there is a lot of opprtunity for water fun.
This park is the best on an uncrowded day, allowing you to breath freely.

August 29Hidden gem

This is a hidden gem state park. The hikes in the canyon are interesting and you are rewarded with 4 waterfalls. Our family enjoyed it very much.

July 12Incredible horseback riding trails

The trails are incredibly beautiful for horseback riding!

May 30Beautiful

I got engaged at the beautiful waterfall we hiked to! A great park to visit and revisit

May 26Well kept and clean by catzgomew

Didnt see much wild life but it was a holiday weekend and there were alot of people there. If I was an animal, I would hide too.

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